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A camera without a bag is homeless. Bags allow your gear to be transported easily—and safely. But with so many options out there, how should you choose? Here’s what you need to know.
The camera. It’s your best friend.
It’s like an extra appendage. It’s pretty much part of who you are. And you don’t exactly want your best friend sleeping just anywhere, now do you?
Camera bags are essential accessories for even the newest shutter bugs. Go without one, and you’re risking damage to your beloved (and expensive) camera. But if you thought buying a camera was tough, be ready to be assaulted by thousands of potential choices. Buying a camera bag doesn’t have to be stressful, however, here’s what you need to ask before making a purchase:
What type of bag is best for me?
Camera bags come in a few main types and each one has perks and disadvantages. The type that’s best for you will depend both on what type of shooting you do and what gear you have. Here’s the most common types available for interchangeable lens cameras.
Backpacks are favored because you can distribute the weight of all that heavy gear over two shoulders. They’re more comfortable to trek around with, particularly if you head to obscure outdoor locations. Backpacks come in a variety of sizes, from the smallest options for a DSLR and a lens or two to bags that can carry multiple cameras. The downside of a backpack is it takes a bit longer to access your gear, since it’s not sitting right at your hip. They also tend to be a bit pricier.
Shoulder or messenger bags sit on just one shoulder, so they aren’t quite as comfortable as a backpack, but with your gear right at your hip, you can often pull your camera out and have it ready to go in an instant. They tend to be roomier than sling bags and can often hold a DSLR plus a handful of lenses and accessories.
Sling bags are smaller versions of shoulder bags. Worn across your body from shoulder to hip, they are favored for their quick access to gear. Most sling bags allow the camera to be stored in a ready-to-shoot position, making them popular for street photographers and anyone who wants fast access. Sling bags aren’t very roomy however, but they make excellent companions to bigger, bulkier bags to pack only the essentials.
Hard cases are the Rolls Royce of the camera bag world. They’re tough enough to withstand big drops, bumps and scratches and many are even waterproof. Hard cases usually come with wheels and a pull handle and are excellent for cameras that are frequent fliers. They’re tough to take out in the field though and tend to be one of the more expensive options. Often, photographers will get a hard case big enough to accommodate all their gear but also have a sling bag or backpack so they can pack just the essentials when it isn’t feasible to lug a suitcase around.
Sleeves and holsters are small and often accommodate just the camera and one lens. They’re really designed to keep the camera safe within another backpack or purse, since there’s no strap, but it’s best not to let even a covered camera bounce around in another bag. The holster styles are similar, only they include a hook and attach to a belt system, keeping the camera ready to shoot and easy to access, but not offering as much protection as a backpack or hard case.
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| Casual Bags |
There are two main questions to ask before choosing a type of camera bag:
1) Will it fit all of my gear?
If you only have a DSLR and a lens or two, a sling bag could serve as your primary bag, but if you have more lenses and accessories, you’ll need a bigger bag, though could use a smaller bag for easier traveling when you don’t need all that gear.
2) Can I get to where I need to shoot comfortably and safely?
If you tend to fly a lot, a hard case that fits within the carry-on dimensions is a good investment. If you’re a nature photographer, invest in a good backpack that is comfortable enough to hike a few miles with.
What size bag do I need?
Even within the main types of camera bags, sizes will still vary. You’ll want to make sure that all your gear has a designated home. If you have a lot of gear, you may choose to get a large, heavy duty bag to keep everything safe and a smaller one to take when you don’t need every single lens you own. Check the product description for the number of camera bodies and lenses it can hold. Many bags will also specify what lenses will fit—since a 35mm lens is a lot smaller than a 600mm telephoto. If you aren’t sure, check the dimensions.
Does it look like a camera bag?
This may seem like a silly question, but if you frequently shoot in areas with a lot of foot traffic, you may want to choose a bag that doesn’t look like it’s holding several hundreds (or thousands) of dollars worth of equipment. Gear bags that look like fancy gear bags are sometimes a bigger target for theft. Some camera bags look more like a briefcase or purse—these may still tempt thieves, but not in a way that advertise that what’s inside is worth more than a typical handbag.
What type of protection does my camera need?
Camera bags come in a variety of different materials and with a variety of different types of padding. In general, the thicker it is the more protection it offers. Keep in mind though, that more protection means a heavier bag. Is it more important to keep your gear protected, or keep it accessible? If you pick up just one bag, make sure it will keep your gear protected in all the types of shooting you do; if you pick up more than one bag, you can choose one for the protection and one for the portability and swap based on the occasion. If you shoot outdoors, it’s also a good idea to look for something that can withstand some rain.
Some bags are designed to keep a camera with the lens attached, ready to shoot and easy to access. When choosing a camera bag, if you need to get the gear out before the moment is gone, make sure you can store your camera with an attached lens. Sling and shoulder bags are generally easier to access, but some backpacks are designed for quick access, you just have to take one strap off and slide the bag towards the front so everything is within reach.
What extra features would I like to have?
Along with choosing a comfortable, sturdy bag that will fit all of your gear, you should also pay attention to the little things that might make one bag stand out over the others. Some camera bags are equipped with:
- An extra rain cover to keep gear protected in bad weather
- A tripod pocket or straps
- Extra padded straps for more comfort
- A waist strap (applies to backpack style bags only) for more back support
- Special pockets for memory cards, filters and other accessories
- A tether so if you drop your camera, it doesn’t fall all the way to the ground
- A slot to fit a laptop
- Wheels for more carrying options
- Versatile straps that can be worn in different ways
There’s so many options when it comes to camera bags, that you’re bound to find at least one with the features you want, but chances are, you’ll have plenty to choose from. Here’s a few recommendations.
Langly Alpha Pro Camera Bag
When it comes to choosing a comfortable backpack without sacrificing style, the Langly Alpha Pro is an excellent option. It’s handcrafted and fits up to four lenses along with a DSLR body plus a 15” laptop. Bottom straps will keep your tripod handy too.
Kelly Moore Mimi Camera Bag
For the ladies, the Kelly Moore line offers sleek camera bags to easily stow away gear—and they certainly don’t look like boring camera bags. The Mimi allows the camera to be stored with the lens attached for fast access, along with an extra lens and accessories or even the items typically kept inside a purse.
Pelican 1510-004-110 Case With Padded Dividers
If you’re a frequent flyer, a hard case that fits into the carry-on compartment is a must. Pelican is one of the most trusted manufacturers for hard cases; this one is waterproof, crushproof and dustproof plus includes wheels and a retractable handle. The adjustable padded dividers are ideal for someone who has a lot of gear to accommodate.
Lowepro Passport Sling
The Passport Sling is an ideal bag for the photographer with just a few lenses or as an extra bag for packing light. Designed for travel, and expandable compartment can give you even more room to stash accessories. The camera fits with a lens attached, as well as a few extra lenses or flashes, so it’s ready to shoot quickly.
Vanguard Adapter Camera Daypack
The Vanguard Adapter can be worn either as a backpack or a sling bag by storing one of the straps. With customizable inserts, access to gear from both sides so it doesn’t matter if you’re a leftie, tripod straps and breathable fabric on the back, it’s an excellent all around choice. It’s available in a few different sizes to accommodate your gear.
Source: http://fotoclasses.com/beginners-guide-choose-camera-bag